US-Afghans Reach Deal on Wardak Pullout

(Kabul) – The United States and Kabul have appeared to reach an agreement on the pullout of coalition forces from a strategic province, nearly a month after an ultimatum from Afghan President Hamid Karzai. Karzai on February 24 ordered American special forces to leave Wardak within two weeks.
“I am pleased to announce that following a very constructive series of talks… we have come to agreement on a plan for Wardak,” said General Joseph Dunford, the US commander of NATO troops, following talks with Karzai. The US-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said Afghan forces would “soon” move into the district of Nerkh, which “will preclude” the need for coalition forces and Afghan Local Police,to remain in the area.